NEW PEUGEOT 508 SUMMARY

Compelling design at the heart of emotion

• Compelling design combines elegance with emotive appeal
• Exclusive cabin ambience and dazzling array of advanced features
• Superlative efficiency, performance, comfort and safety
• Flagship GT gains exclusive 150 kW 2.2 HDi and unique suspension

Peugeot is taking on the class leaders in the C-sedan segment with an all-new thoroughly convincing model that’s set to elevate the perception of the brand among South African motorists even further.

The 508 embodies quality, purity, efficiency in design and a strong sense of emotion. It’s a modern, forward-looking vehicle that has been perfectly tailored to the aspirations of customers who have moved with the times: motorists who are demanding, dynamic and responsible.

Guided by the search for perfectly balanced and streamlined contours, the 508 reflects impeccable elegance, robustness and build quality, while also expressing the French marque’s latest design language.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the 508 to our SA customers,” says Francis Harnie, managing director of Peugeot South Africa. “The car epitomises our resolve to provide the SA motorist with cars that delight and surprise on every level.

“The 508 is truly a revelation in every respect: the styling is striking and introduces Peugeot’s latest design language, while the interior sets new benchmarks as far as tactile quality, equipment levels, comfort and safety are concerned.”

Harnie adds that the array of latest-generation turbocharged petrol and diesel engines will ensure that the 508 also shines in dynamic terms, while offering impressive environmental credentials.

“Most of all, the arrival of the 508 reiterates Peugeot’s commitment to the SA market, and to offer a growing range of latest-generation vehicles ideally suited to demands of the discerning SA customer.

“We have already emphatically addressed early concerns about parts pricing and parts availability across the Peugeot passenger car and light commercial vehicle range, and as our five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan on the 508 confirms, we also have confidence in the longevity of our vehicles,” he concluded.

NEW DESIGN APPROACH

First revealed on the SR1 concept car, Peugeot’s latest design approach is characterised by a single grille rendered in a floating style, flanked by piercing directional bi-Xenon headlights with distinctive LED ‘tubes’ on the 508 GT that endow the sedan with a particularly sophisticated air.

The profile of the 508 is purposely understated, and incorporates a recessed waistline that runs the entire length of the vehicle, conveying an arresting blend of power and elegance.

Similarly, the rear has been designed as a single form. The boot fits perfectly flush with the bumper and the two exhaust nozzles on the top-spec GT version – thus creating an impression of fluidity, power and control.

Adding to the upmarket visage, the tail light clusters feature three red “claws” that mask three rows of six LEDs to give the 508 a unique after-dark signature.

The theme is carried through to the interior, too. The simple and elegant style of the fascia, the tactile quality of the materials used, the meticulous finishes and the durability all add to the cabin’s exclusive ambience.

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

This is reinforced by the advanced systems provided to enhance the motoring experience of both driver and passengers on selected models. Standard on the GT model, and optional on Allure derivatives, is a colour Head-Up Display (HUD), offered in conjunction with the satellite navigation system.

GT and Allure models also benefit from four-zone air-conditioning, hands-free access and start-up, an automatic electronic parking brake, electronically-operated lumbar massage for the driver (on the GT version only), and a JBL high-performance audio system (standard on the GT, and optional on the Allure).

Based on the PSA Group’s Platform Three, the 508 achieves a particularly efficient and refined architecture. It comprises a long wheelbase to offer generous accommodation for rear passengers, along with balanced proportions that mask the large 473-litre boot.

Environmental efficiency was a pivotal concern from the earliest design phase, resulting in a particular emphasis on aerodynamics and weight reduction. The result is a drag coefficient of as low as 0.26), and a kerb mass considerably lower than the car’s dimensions or substance suggest.

FOUR-MODEL RANGE

In South Africa, the 508 range comprises four models: the 508 Active 1.6 THP Manual, the 508 2.0 HDi Manual, the 508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto, and the flagship 508 GT 2.2 HDi Auto.

The range is powered by an impressive array of three high-tech engines that deliver exceptional fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions, accompanied by outstanding performance and responsiveness.

The line-up comprises Peugeot’s renowned 115 kW 1.6 THP petrol unit, as well as the popular 120 kW 2.0 HDi turbodiesel engine. A new, highly advanced 2,2-litre HDi engine credited with outstanding outputs of 150 kW and a massive 450 Nm of torque is fitted to the flagship 508 GT.

Uniquely, two types of suspension are available on the 508. The standard 508 Active and Allure models feature an all-new MacPherson-type front axle that delivers a top-quality blend of comfort and road holding.

However, the GT version ups the ante further with a drop-link dual wishbone front axle. The dual wishbones, together with the decoupling of bounce and steering functions, ensure a very high level of body rigidity and driving accuracy.

Both models are equipped with a multi-link rear suspension that delivers excellent efficiency, maximum accuracy and optimal vibration damping by decoupling longitudinal and transverse forces.

The 508 uses a rack-and-pinion electro-hydraulic steering system which continuously adjusts the level of assistance, and facilitates easy manoeuvring at low speeds. As with the suspension, the 508 GT boasts a more responsive steering configuration in line with its sportier demeanour.

The array of active safety features is equally impressive. All models are equipped with latest-generation Bosch 8.1stability and traction control, Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The ESP system also includes Hill Start Assistance and intelligent traction control.

PRICING

• 508 Active 1.6 Petrol THP    R 283 700
• 508 Active 2.0 HDi     R 303 200
• 508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto    R 306 700
• 508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto with SatNav  R 323 700
• 508 GT 2.2 HDi  Auto    R 409 900

Pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Servicing is at 20 000 km/12-month intervals.